Just One More Tear to Cry

Part 1

Every dawn and dusk carried its own reason, or so Jimin had come to believe since the loss of his parents when he was just twelve. His halmoni had been the one to impart this wisdom amidst his tears, teaching him that life's rhythms held purpose beyond comprehension. Little did he know then that he would find himself clinging to those same words to navigate the void left by her passing, a mere month shy of his sixteenth birthday.

Life had become a weighty burden. There were scarcely any days where Jimin felt the warmth of a genuine smile since that somber day. The passage of weeks blurred together, their memories obscured by hunger and grief. Even the neighbors who had once lent a hand with food supplies had ceased their offerings, a reminder of the harsh realities faced by those on the outskirts of Busan. Jimin couldn't recall how he endured those hunger pangs without succumbing to unconsciousness.

He longed for a fresh start, but from where? Every person dear to him had departed, leaving behind the echoing emptiness of goodbyes. As a timid boy with empty pockets and nowhere to turn, he couldn't help but acknowledge the uphill battle that lay ahead.

The sunrise painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, accompanied by the cheerful melodies of birds greeting a new day. Jimin, weary from the weight of his emotions and the gnawing ache of hunger, rose to face another day in his solitude.

"Eomma, Appa, Halmoni... I'll do my best to carry on," Jimin whispered, his voice choked with unshed tears. "I miss you all. Please guide me, as you always have."

Hot tears trailed down Jimin's cheeks as he reminisced about the memories he held dear. Wiping them away, he stepped outside, greeted by a garden now adorned with wilted petals and fallen leaves. It mirrored his own desolation, a silent witness to his grief.

His stomach growled in protest, a reminder of his empty pantry. But where could he find sustenance with no money to spare? Returning indoors, he retrieved a handful of coins his halmoni had saved, a meager offering in the face of his hunger.

"Good morning, Jiminie!"

The neighbor's voice broke through his thoughts, prompting a small smile to grace Jimin's lips.

"Good morning, Auntie."

Concern etched the woman's features as she approached him, her maternal instincts kicking in.

"Ah, my Jiminie! Keep that smile, dear. It brightens my day," she said, her voice warm with affection. "Where are you off to so early?"

"I thought I'd take a walk for some fresh air, Auntie."

"Take care, now. And come back home soon. I'll have lunch waiting for you," she insisted.

"Thank you, Auntie. But I'll manage. I've already caused you enough trouble," Jimin replied gratefully.

With a final thank you, Jimin set off down the main road, the silence broken only by the occasional passing car. He entertained thoughts of fleeing this village, if only to escape the haunting memories that lingered at every corner. But where could he go?

His halmoni's words echoed in his mind, their meaning now clearer than ever.

"Jiminah, the world is vast and full of wonders," she had said. "I want you to see it all, my angel. Reach for the stars, and never look back."

Perhaps, Jimin thought, he would find his place in this vast world after all.

Hello readers,
I just published my first story. I really wanted to publish a book. English is not my first language. If you find any mistake, please be kind enough to point it out. Your feedback means a lot to me.

I did not do an introduction thinking to introduce the characters while the story goes on. Feel you are okay with it.

This is a Jikook story. Jimin is my ultimate bias. If you are not okay with ship stories, please do not read.

Let's dive in this Jikook world hand in hand!
Borahae
-BRIANNA-